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After impressing Rangers, Profar excited for Classic

Jurickson Profar, MLB.com's top prospect, will begin 2013 in the minors, but his evident talent is likely to earn him a midseason callup

By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Infielder Jurickson Profar has proven to the Rangers that he is ready for the Major Leagues. They don't need to see anything more, so Profar will join the Kingdom of the Netherlands team for the championship round of the World Baseball Classic.

"It should be quite an experience for him playing in that spotlight and a high level of baseball," manager Ron Washington said. "He's already shown us he can play. It's quite an opportunity for him."

Profar has not yet made the Opening Day roster, because the Rangers are still reluctant to bring him to the big leagues in a limited utility role. He would make the team if Washington can find him 300 at-bats, but that may be difficult behind All-Star shortstop Elvis Andrus and second baseman Ian Kinsler.

"Jurickson Profar hasn't made this team, so I'm not speculating on it," Washington said. "Our decision will be based on what's best for him and the organization. We haven't come to any conclusions."

Profar, who is from Curacao but has family living in Holland, initially declined to play for the Netherlands because he wanted to stay in camp and impress the Rangers. Having more than done that, he will replace infielder Yurendell de Caster, who was taken off the Dutch roster with a foot injury. Profar has been told he will play second base for a team that has been one of the two biggest surprises in the tournament.

"It's going to be fun," Profar said. "I'm going to play on the big stage. I'm excited and looking forward to it."